Irene Lee Oliva

Irene Lee Oliva entered into Heaven at the age of 67 on November 20th while home surrounded by

the love of her family. During her battle with cancer, she was able to share very special moments with her entire family and long-time friends.

Born October 31, 1945 in Weed, CA, she moved to Stockton at the age of nine. After having three children, Irene returned to school receiving a bachelors degree from Stanislaus State University in education at the age of 33. In 2008 she retired after 31 years with Lodi Unified School District as a bi-lingual Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher at Lakewood Elementary and then Ansel Adams. She was the first bilingual teacher for the school district and received their "New Teacher of the Year Award". Her legacy is the thousands of children's lives she touched through her ability to teach with love, commitment, and expectation.

As a devoted Catholic, she offered her love of teaching through catechism at St. George and St. Luke Churches. She was an avid reader and enjoyed retirement while working part-time at her daughter's frame shop. Spending time with her family gave her great joy and watching novellas with her sister Molly became one of her favorite past-times.

Preceded in death by her parents Leandra & Julian Godina, father Joe Moreno, brother Raul DeVora. She leaves behind her beloved daughters Lorraine Josol (George), Jonise Oliva & son John Oliva (Marian), five grandchildren and three great grandchildren devoted sister Molly Bustos & brother Robert Moreno (Yolanda) and sister Rose Maestas and many loving nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Services are scheduled for Sunday Dec. 2nd 3:00 at Chapel of the Palms where we will recite the

Rosary. Mass will be held on Monday Dec. 3rd, 1:00 pm at St. Luke's Church followed by a procession to her final resting place at the San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery.

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